When applying to colleges, your ACT® scores can become the biggest highlight, so it’s very important to know everything about sending in your scores. In this blog, we will discuss when and how to send ACT scores, the time it takes for colleges to receive them, and the costs of score reports.
Sending ACT Scores
During your ACT registration, you might have already selected colleges to send your ACT scores to. If not, you can send in your scores after the results are out by following these steps:
- Log in to your MyACT account and select the “Send Your Scores” option from the dashboard.
- Choose the test date for which you want to submit your report.
- Enter the identification number (code) for the college to which you want to submit your scores.
- Depending on your choices, decide whether you want to send a basic report or a priority score report.
- Enter the details of your credit card to pay the fee.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
But before sending your scores to colleges, don’t forget to check out our ACT scoring guide to learn how ACT scores are calculated.
When to send ACT scores to colleges?
The general rule for sending your ACT score to colleges is the earlier, the better. If you select the colleges of your choice while registering for the ACT, your scores will automatically be sent on the score release dates. However, if not, you can send out your scores anytime once they are available. First, you will need to check the application deadline for your prospective colleges, calculate how much time it will take to receive your scores, and then send.
How much does it cost to send ACT scores?
Every test date report will cost $18. If your scores are from before September 1, 2020, you will be charged an additional archived fee of $30 per test date per report.
How long do ACT scores take to send?
After the ACT score release dates, it takes approximately two to eight weeks to send your score reports to your current high school. However, the time frame of sending your score report to colleges may vary for different colleges and depends on the time you raised your request.
The following table will help you understand the various types of reports and their delivery time frame.
| Type of report | Where it’s delivered | When it’s delivered | What it reports |
| Student report | Your MyACT account | About 2–8 weeks after the test date | ACT scores, college and career planning information |
| High school report | Current high school via online reporting | About 2–8 weeks after the test date | ACT scores, college and career planning information |
| College report | Each valid college code you listed and paid for when you registered or tested (up to six) | Depends on college and when requested | All the information on the Student and High School Report, plus the grades you reported for up to 30 high school classes. It may also contain information about your college readiness. |
How can schools use the ACT score report?
In addition to academic advising and counseling, your high school can use your ACT score reports for the following reasons:
- To analyze the impact of the lessons being taught.
- To determine which students require help with specific academic subjects or skills.
- To plan curriculum updates and enhancements.
Related Questions
Yes, ACT scores are automatically sent to colleges if you selected the colleges of your choice during registration.
No, you cannot send only one part of your ACT score report to colleges. However, some colleges allow you to Superscore, letting you choose your best section scores from multiple test dates.
Some colleges are strict about deadlines and require scores to be submitted before the application deadline. However, other colleges may still accept scores once the deadline is passed. So, it is advisable to carefully read the policies and guidelines of your prospective colleges regarding score submission.
Yes, you can! For tests administered prior to September 1, 2020, ACT scores are archived. Finding and sending archived ACT score records costs $30. To ease the process of finding your archived score, you must have as much identifying information as possible. You should know the test date (or at least the year) and your then address.
While registering for the ACT, you get the option of sending up to six free ACT reports. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you will be able to send unlimited score reports to colleges for free.
There may be a chance to verify whether the college to which you have applied has received your scores if they have a portal to check the status. If not, you can get this information by contacting the college’s admissions office.
